In this post I am going to provide some more information about A Rocha Canada and the Brooksdale Environmental Center.

We are now supporting, via the sale of grocery tote bags and taking donations, the Brooksdale Environmental Center and A Rocha Canada, which is a local green charity with far reaching international and global objectives. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these bags will go to this charity.

If people want to donate to this charity online, that can happen. If they access the website via this page or the previous post from our website, we can keep track of our donation totals, which would be inspiring. www.Arocha.ca

The more I learn the more inspired I become to be part of the solution.

MMA Vancouver

Currently
Environmental Challenges are one of our greatest challenges that need attention. I have listed 3 items of concern, which are listed on the bags:

1. Save the Salmon: A Arocha is involved in this specific conservation concern with the Little Campbell River, to provide a specific example. Actually they are involved in many projects. This is a local concern to help people with identification. Here is some information from their website:

A Rocha is committed to the conservation and restoration of the natural world through both scientific research and practical conservation projects. Our scientific work provides the strong foundation needed for informed protection and management. Our conservation projects are aimed at slowing or reversing the trends of habitat loss that are affecting many species. In practical terms, this means we are lifting binoculars skyward to conduct bird surveys, removing invasive species in order to restore salmon streams, and collecting data on a myriad of species in BC, Manitoba and Ontario.

At A Rocha we appreciate the strong connection between a healthy environment and the health of the human community. Therefore, where possible, we work with local landowners and residents to understand their concerns and collaborate with them in the good act of stewardship.

MMA Vancouver

2. Environmental Stewardship:

This is a more general concept highlighted by one of A Rocha’s main headlines: Caring for Creation. A Rocha has branches all over the world.

Website: A Rocha is building a network of hands-on conservation projects in communities across the nation, ( and the world) . Driven by local context, local needs and local leadership, the exact focus of each A Rocha project varies – ranging from gardens and farms, to watershed protection and habitat restoration. Whatever the focus, each project involves research, education and hands-on opportunities for people to get involved in environmental conservation.

3. Inspiring Hope:

There can be improvement. With conscientious attention and involvement or empowering those people and groups to do their good work, positive change can happen.

This is A Rocha’s aim:

In an environmental context often characterized by fear and paralysis, A Rocha is bringing hope through care of both people and places. We are preserving sensitive habitats and threatened species, growing organic food and feeding people living on low income, inspiring school children and training young people. A Rocha is changing the way people treat the earth.

Here is our previous post with some background, history of previous charitable campaigns and some basic explanation of win, win, win objectives.

Thank you for reading! If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. You can donate via purchase of the bags at the school or online via the website link on this page. Also here. http://www.Arocha.ca

Here is a brief description of the BFL Fight: Posener’s MMA Vancouver:

Gio Platon had a great fight last night for the BFL MMA Title. The end result was not the desired outcome. In the first round Gio executed dominant striking. Gio was landing strong low kicks, fast and powerful boxing and elusive footwork. He delivered a lot of damaging kicks and punches. He knocked Paul’s mouth guard out approximately 3 or 4 times and had Paul in serious trouble a number of times where he was staggered and almost finished. However, Paul was tough, resilient, durable, determined and skillful in his own right, as he is also a mma champion with more than twice the number of mma fights than Gio. Paul made it out of the 1st round. Gio’s striking was on point and his wrestling was strong in defending takedowns and positions off the cage. There were some exchanges on the ground with both fighters initiating takedowns and countering. They were both able to achieve a takedown or two. Gio was also able to get the fight back to the feet where his advantage was strongest. It was an incredibly fast pace for a 5 round title fight in the first round. Gio started the second round strongly also and was hitting his opponent effectively but was started to show signs of fatigue. Eventually after an exchange of wrestling and positioning on the ground, and Gio being extremely tired, Paul got Gio on his back with Gio able to acheive the guard but was unable to defend some ground strikes or escape, due to the fatigue and intensity. He took a few strikes in the guard and the referee stopped the fight. It was certainly a bitter pill, as he wanted the belt but Gio gained the admiration of fans and competitors. Gio’s resilient spirit can help him learn from this and he knows the areas to improve on to take him to the belt and beyond in the future. Congratulations to Paul, as he showed great heart, durability and skill. It was a great battle of top amateur warriors in mixed martial arts. Gio said in the post fight speech, after the announcers congratulated him on an awesome display of speed, and technique, that he would be back. It was an honor to teach, and coach. We will look forward to the next time. Special thanks to Costa Rojas and George Kassimatis for coaching and all the other instructors, assistants and supporters. OSU!

MMA Vancouver

Here is what Gio said about his fight and his perspective on Social Media:

Didn’t come through with the win, but I did the best that I could. He was the better man that night, it was a tough loss. But that’s part of this ruthless sport that I love ! I had fun no matter what and it was a great experience! Shout out to all my family and friends that came out to support! Still just the beginning for me. Lots to learn. I’m not perfect inside or outside the cage, but believe me I’m trying to be the best version of myself everyday. I will learn from my mistakes and correct them. It was a hell of a night, hope y’all were entertained 😎💣🇨🇦🇵🇭 #posenerspankration#stillblessed#warriors4life#bfl52#mma

Great pics of punch, knee and kick. Thank you Hassan photography

MMA Vancouver

This is what the promoter said after the fight, since Gio accepted the fight even though the opponent did not make the title fight weight:

At BFL52 Gio saved the show by accepting a title fight in a higher weightclass despite his opponent coming in 3 pounds over….Gio will be granted an automatic title shot in March 2018 at 135 or 145 whichever division his camp chooses….

We are making a small change to the timing of our GI BJJ Vancouver program. We are going to be running the class on Wednesday’s from 7-8 pm. This will enable the juniors who want to do the MMA class from 5-7 pm to transition into the GI BJJ class and the adults can also attend and transition to the Muay Thai from 8- 9:30 pm.

Here is a brief description of Hayden Francis and his philosophy:

Hayden started BJJ by taking grappling classes in high school, from then on he was hooked. His official training began in December of 2009 at Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu School and Hayden quickly adopted Jiu Jitsu as the foundation of his daily activity; helping his focus and supporting all other aspects of his life. Hayden’s teaching goals focus on conceptual learning that matches the goals and learning styles of students. Hayden believes learning concepts rather than a step-by-step process helps to make lessons more solid for students and let them follow their own path in Jiu Jitsu.

Hayden is currently a brown belt and has a wealth of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ( BJJ Vancouver ) and competition.

We are looking forward to this new time slot for the GI BJJ Vancouver class, as it should help both the students and instructor attend regularly and make progress. The Saturday time slot often conflicted with tournaments and events.

You will need a Gi for the program. Below are a couple of examples of basic Gis. We do order all our Gis from www.Bushido.ca . You are welcome to click on the link to see all the color and style options to suit your taste and needs. You can order the items at the dojo. Please ask Simon Posener for details.

BJJ Vancouver Kid’s Gi from $85.90 – $95.90

BJJ Vancouver Basic Adult Gi $119.90 – color options available

Thank you and we will look forward to having you join this program! OSU!

What’s in it for you – Personal Training?

My passion is to engage and challenge people to live healthy, more active lifestyles.

If you embrace yourself now and focus on improving your overall mental, physical, technical skills with a positive mindset and an openness to knowledge, you will be successful in evolution to your desired goal.

I have a tremendous passion to share the benefits of being fit; mentally & physically healthy. I love all things that will enrich life. I will meet you where you are at and bring you to the next level with your commitment to yourself and to my development program.

I can direct, assist and support you to achieve your goals and build the lifestyle and body you desire by overcome obstacles empowering the mindset and improving knowledge of a healthy, rounded lifestyle. Vitality, longevity and energy come through basic building blocks and consistent work toward a more elite athletic and nutritious lifestyle.

20 kids made progress and showed good spirit and technique. There was a good lead up in practice and some very positive results in a number of areas, attitude, enthusiasm, skill, maturity, etc. Good to see the dedication, loyalty and skill development. OSU!

MMA Vancouver

Of course, discipline is a big part of the program and we also want to enjoy the process and feel the feeling of accomplishment and the confidence our program brings and has a track record of success.

Vancouver’s Premier Mixed Martial Arts school for children and youths.

With special attention given to motor skill development, mental focusing attributes, and children’s inherent capabilities. Youth kickboxing Vancouver Children’s and Teen classes are designed to emphasize:

– DISCIPLINE – RESPECT – CONFIDENCE DEVELOPMENT – SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT

The development of these qualities and principals are given extra attention because they build a strong foundation in the three battles: the Mind, the Body, and the Spirit.If developed properly, then success is assured.

We engage in a brief zazen meditation at the beginning of each class to become present, focused and prepared for what is to come in the class, and, at the end of class, we meditate briefly to lock in the experiences, center our energy, and commit to continuing making progress. As a regular practice to enhance learning, we also repeat strongly the Tenets of the School, Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, and Indomitable Spirit, at the end of each class to solidify the development of these qualities for Kids Mixed Martial Arts Vancouver.

Our Qualification Code, which is a form to be filled out by the parent and student for advancement in rank, for Kids MMA Vancouver at Posener’s Pankration/MMA and Muay Thai, highlights that respect and school achievement, in addition to the development of combative skills in mixed martial arts, are highly valued, esteemed and developed.

The development of equanimity of spirit is also given special attention in order to deal with challenges well; especially in regards to winning and losing. The attributes of effort, determination, skill development and spirit are given special attention, as these qualities will lead to enduring success. The goal of truly doing one’s best, regardless of outcome, especially in regards to some combative sport applications, is given priority to help develop progress, growth and character. The consistent and continuous goal of making progress in all areas, both on the mat and off, will help develop a student’s full long term potential for Kids/Youth MMA Vancouver at Posener’s Pankration/MMA and Muay Thai.